Philosophy
Barfield’s philosophy is based around a positive enthusiasm for learning and a mutual respect for all around. The Educational Mission Statement below was created by the staff as a definition of our educational ambitions, and the Code of Conduct was created by our pupils as a framework of how to get the best out of each day.
Educational Mission Statement
- We know our children.
- We aim to give the girls and boys at Barfield an excellent grounding in core academic areas; their ‘ABCs’ and ‘123s’ and important life skills.
- We endeavour to keep the children happily challenged in their work, so that they are nurtured at the maximum pace.
- We will complement this with a broad and stimulating curriculum that marries innovative practice with the best traditional teaching methods.
- The school’s ultimate educational target is for each pupil to get their best possible entrance exam grades to allow entry into the school of their choice. However, we will keep ‘what is best for the pupils’ long term learning and development’ central to our teaching and learning programmes, rather than be dictated to by government and senior school legislation.
- The curriculum at Barfield will reflect education for a real modern world, with family and community values in a sustainable world at its very heart.
Code of Conduct
Behaviour
- Listen to instructions before acting – if you don’t you may miss important information which you need.
- Put up your hand if you have any questions – then the teacher will know you need help.
- Be honest – the truth is always the best option.
- Always sit quietly in class and at the lunch table.
- Do not interrupt other people when they are speaking – be patient, your turn will come.
- Remember GOOD table manners.
Kindness
- Be considerate of others – help a friend with a heavy bag; next time they will help you.
- Support other people – encourage your friends in their work – remember, a smile is catching.
- Look after younger children – they may need your guidance and help.
- Respect everyone at school – we are a family community.
- Hold the door open for teachers and wait for staff to pass in the corridor.
Greeting People
- Greet people with ‘Good morning’ or ‘Good afternoon’ – it is the polite way to greet people.
- Always say ‘please’ when asking for help – people will be willing to help you.
- Always say ‘thank you’ when receiving help – it shows your gratitude.
- Always use polite language with your friends, teacher and other adults.
- Stand up when an adult enters the classroom.
Your School
- You must be neat and tidy – tuck in your shirts and tie up your shoe laces – you are representing your school. Ensure that your hair meets the school's requirements and is tidy.
- Take care of your uniform and your belongings – they are your responsibility.
- Do not interfere with other children’s belongings – take lost items which you find to a teacher
- Never run around the school paths, in buildings or on the staircases – you could fall and hurt yourself or hurt someone else.
- Look after your school – don’t drop litter, don’t damage school property and always 'Think Green'.
Routines
- Always be prepared for your lessons – bring your prep book, your pencil case and your ruler.
- Do each prep for a full half-hour and try your hardest.
- Make sure your preps are handed in on time to teachers – otherwise, bring a note from home to explain any problems and make sure YOU tell the teacher about any incomplete preps as soon as possible.
- Remember to change our shoes at break time and not to wear trainers in the classroom.
- Remember to wear a full tracksuit during the winter months.
- Remember to wash your hands before lunch and after break times.
- Support your House – try to collect as many plus points and conduct points and as few demerits as possible.
- Enter, sit and leave Assembly in silence.
- Always be on time for your lessons and activities.
- Report to the Office and the teacher concerned if you are going to be absent from an activity.
Try your best everyday – take pride in everything that you do.